Palmer Cortlandt - born of humble beginnings as Pete Cooney - was a self-made millionaire. Cortlandt Electronics was an empire that Palmer created himself. He came to town in 1979 with daughter Nina.

The budding romance between Nina and Dr. Cliff Warner did not make Palmer happy, so he teamed up with nurse Sybil Thorne (who wanted Cliff) to break the two up. Palmer paid an ex- girlfriend of Cliff's to claim Cliff deserted her when she was pregnant, causing Nina to break up with Cliff. However, this lie was revealed and Nina went back with Cliff, causing Palmer to hatch another scheme...

Children: Nina Cortlandt Warner (with Daisy Cortlandt), Ross Chandler (with Lottie Chandler), Peter Cortlandt (with Opal Cortlandt)
Grandchildren: Bobby Warner (adoptive), Michael Warner, Julie Rand (adoptive)
Great Grandchildren: Sam Grey (adoptive)
Siblings: Bess Cooney (deceased)
Nephews: Will Cortlandt (deceased)
Nieces: Dixie Martin(deceased) , Melanie Cortlandt
Grand Nephew: JR Chandler
Son-in-law: Cliff Warner
Significant Romantic Relationships: Lottie Chandler, Daisy Cortlandt (1st and 3rd wife/divorced), Donna Beck (2nd wife/divorced), Cynthia Preston (4th wife/divorced), Natalie Hunter (5th wife/divorced), Opal Cortlandt (6th wife/divorced), Vanessa Bennett (7th wife/divorced)